She looked up as Father entered the room. Thankfully, he was alone. “Well. That went as well as expected.”
Gideon turned away and poured Father a whiskey. “What did you say?”
“What I needed to.” His expression grew sour as he looked at Gideon. “A word, if you please.”
“Of course.”
The pair moved aside and spoke privately for a few moments, Gideon’s back growing stiff with every word spoken, while Father became more expressive with his hands.
The pair turned, Father revealing annoyance, Gideon’s expression unreadable.
The pair took chairs on opposite sides of the room, Father at Mother’s side, Gideon alone. Both offered up false smiles when Jessica caught their eye.
“Jessica?” Rebecca called. “I have found the perfect music for us.”
Troubled by the tension she sensed in the room now, Jessica hurried to her sister’s side and looked at the sheet she held out. It was a complicated piece of music to play, one that gave her the most trouble. “Are they arguing?” she whispered.
“I suspect so. Father has been watching you both all night, and he is clearly not happy with what he sees,” Rebecca warned. “What progress have you made with directing Whitfield to the outcome we discussed?”
“The best outcome imaginable. He admitted he loves me.”
Rebecca exhaled. “Thank heavens. Now we can work on Father. I am sure Newfield brought up your future tonight and was refused. Can you hear the servants rushing about above us?”
Jessica concentrated and heard more noise than expected at this time of night. “Oh I hope Lord Newfield and Lord James never come back.”
“Let us hope so. But no matter if they return. We’ll have the time we need to convince Father to let you marry.”
“Let me?”
Rebecca smiled wryly. “You may have gone to London to find a husband, but father has never believed anyone would be good enough for his daughters. We still have a battle on our hands to make him accept your loss.”
Although she meant to have Gideon for a husband, she did not really want Father unhappy about it. Gideon was a good man, kind, thoughtful and her friend. Her father’s friend, too. They were neighbors, and she couldn’t stand the idea that loving her put them at odds.
When they sat down to play, the tension in the room eased a little. By the end, when Mother announced fatigue, Father left the room with her.
Jessica put her hands in her lap and looked across at Gideon, feeling stricken with uncertainty. He smiled, but it never reached his eyes.
He rose to his feet slowly and came closer. He complimented them on their performance and then drew in a large breath. “I am afraid I have been recalled home and must beg your forgiveness for my leaving.”
“What has happened?”
“Nothing you need to worry yourself over.”
“Father has sent you away,” Rebecca said quietly.
Gideon nodded. “I must go.”
Jessica exchanged a glance with Rebecca. “When will you be back?”
His smile slipped. “I am not certain. My possessions are being packed as we speak. You will have to make do with Lord Rafferty’s poor company, if he ever shows his face.”
Jessica burst to her feet. “I will see you out.”
“I am not sure that is a good idea,” he advised. “It is not proper.”
“Rebecca?”
“Patience,” Rebecca cautioned.